Resolute Mining has initiated an aggressive expansion strategy for 2026, earmarking up to $190 million to accelerate the development of the Doropo Gold Project in Côte d’Ivoire. This investment marks a transformative phase for the Australian-listed miner, signaling a transition from a dual-asset operator to a diversified, mid-tier producer with an annual output target exceeding 500,000 ounces by 2028.
Strategic objectives
The decision to “fast-track” Doropo is driven by three primary factors:
- Geographic diversification: by establishing a major hub in Côte d’Ivoire, Resolute reduces its operational reliance on its existing mines in Mali (Syama) and Senegal (Mako).
- Market timing: with gold prices reaching record highs in early 2026, the company aims to shorten the timeline to “First Gold” (targeted for H1 2028) to maximize revenue during a favorable commodity cycle.
- Scalability: Doropo is projected to produce an average of 170,000 ounces per year, with an optimized processing capacity recently increased to 9 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa).
Investment breakdown for 2026
The $170–$190 million capital allocation for 2026 represents the first major tranche of the total $516 million construction cost. These funds are dedicated to critical path “early works,” including:
- Infrastructure: construction of a 1,500-person camp and site access roads.
- Procurement: securing long-lead items for the processing plant to avoid global supply chain bottlenecks.
- Water Management: commencement of the Water Storage Dam (WSD) and initial Tailings Storage Facility (TSF) earthworks.
Economic and regional impact
For Côte d’Ivoire, the Doropo project is a cornerstone of the national goal to reach 100 tons of annual gold production. Situated in the Bounkani Region, the mine is expected to generate over $420 million in royalties and taxes over its 13-year life. Beyond fiscal contributions, the project will create approximately 1,500 construction jobs and hundreds of permanent roles, providing a significant economic boost to the northeastern region of the country.
Financial health
Resolute enters this capital-intensive phase with a strong balance sheet, reporting a net cash position of over $200 million in January 2026. While the 2026 fiscal year will see a temporary dip in group production as Mako transitions to stockpile processing, the board views the Doropo expenditure as a vital reinvestment of current cash flows into long-term growth.
The $190 million commitment for 2026 is a “full-throttle” move that positions Resolute Mining as a dominant player in the West African gold belt. By leveraging current market strength to fund the Doropo build, Resolute is betting on a future where high-margin, multi-jurisdictional production provides a hedge against geopolitical volatility and secures its status as a top-tier gold producer.
